Denture Cream Class Action Lawsuits Filed Over Fixodent and Poligrip

Two denture cream lawsuits have been filed in Tennessee against the makers of the popular adhesives Fixodent and Super Poligrip, seeking class action status on behalf of all residents of the state who used the products, as they could cause zinc poisoning, neuropathy and other debilitating injuries.

Nearly 35 million Americans use denture creams to help keep their dentures in place. Fixodent made by Proctor and Gamble, and Super Poligrip made by GlaxoSmithKline are among the most widely used brands of denture creams available.

The denture adhesive lawsuits allege that the products contain high levels of zinc, which is not adequately indicated or warned about on the warning label.

While small amounts of zinc are needed for a balanced and healthy diet, even normal use of the denture creams has been found to cause large amounts of zinc to be ingested or absorbed through the mouth and gums. This may cause high levels of zinc in the body, and a decrease in levels of copper, resulting in zinc poisoning, neuropathy or other neurological problems that may leave the user permanently disabled and reliant upon a walker or wheelchair.

Michael Lowe and Marlon J. Bond are the plaintiffs named in Super Poligrip lawsuit filed against GlaxoSmithKline, and Sandra Williams, Diane M. Bates and Retha Jones are the plaintiffs in Fixodent lawsuit filed against Procter & Gamble.

The complaints seeks class action status for other Tennessee residents who purchased and used these products in the state, asking the Court to require the companies to pay for testing, medical monitoring and treatment for zinc poisoning which may develop.

In August 2008, a study was conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas on patients who had developed neuropathy and other problems associated with zinc poisoning. They had all used large amounts of denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip.

The results, which were published in the journal Neurology, found zinc concentrations between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram in the denture creams used by the patients. They estimated that the patients had a daily exposure of about 330 mg of zinc, far higher than the recommended daily allowance of 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women.

The early symptoms of zinc poisoning may include dizziness, lethargy, numbness, paralysis, loss of sensation, tingling in the hands or feet, muscle weakness or unexplained pain.

The two class action suits filed in Tennessee join a growing number of denture adhesive lawsuits which have been filed or are being reviewed on behalf of individuals who have suffered problems following the use of Fixodent, Poligrip or other similar adhesive products.

141 comments

I have been using Fixodent ExtraHold Powder for over 13 years. Since September of 2009, I have been experiencing numbness, tingling and my legs and feet feeling like lead. I wonder if the powder has the same side affects as the cream!!!!!

I use Fixodent for about 3 years now and have just about from day one have complained to my wife about experiencing numbness, tingling in my arms hands my legs.
Just today 08/26/2010 I sent her a text message saying I felt sick and just about blacked out on the freeway but don’t know why.
And again at about 6pm I sent her another text saying I still don’t know whats wrong and felt like I had no energy could not hardly drag my feet to even walk. I was in Walmart the time I sent her the text message. I am not one to just run off to a doctor for every little thing so I have just been living with it and shrugging it off.
Been feeling this symptoms ever sense I started use Fixodent but just never suspected it would be from that. I still have less then half of the tube left and will stop using it now. I just learned about this around 5am because I could not sleep and saw a commercial on TV about it.

I have used Fixodent for more than 20 years, since it became available. I have tingling in my legs and arms, I also have very poor balance, and severe breathing problems. My lips are dry and always cracking. I have not considered denture adhesive to be the problem. If it is that could solve a lot of questions about my health.

I have been using both these products on a regular basis, two to three times a day, ever since 2007 when I was told by the dentist that with my gums being in such bad shape on top, there was no way new dentures could be made to fit my upper gum; and relining them wouldn’t do any good either. I started about two years ago having dizzy spells; trouble swallowing at times; plus, both my legs ache all the time and all the way through my toes. Plus, sometimes I have light pain in my left breast. Had not heard of this thing with these products until sometime last year; but, just thought it was a way for some folks to get money; I’m not that type of person, but since my condition seems to be getting worse, I feel there has to be more to the claims. Plus, now, they’re talking about it again on TV.

I have had upper dentures for about 22 years now and have used Fixodent since day one. I do not have any suction to hold my dentures in. I use both the powder and the cream. One layer of powder and then cream and another layer of powder which holds my dentures in until before dinner. I have had leg pains for years and I was told by a foot doctor that it was probably Restless Leg Syndrom. I mentioned it to my Internal Med doctor and was put on “Requip” for my legs, but lately they have been getting worse. Could this possibly be a sign of zinc poisoning? I am going to my doctor on Monday and requesting a zinc test.

this is frighten to hear and read about this denture cream. i have been using it about 18 yrs. in 2008 my feet started hurting real bad esp. the toes, it started on my left foot and now to my right foot , my ankles and feet tingles all time. iwent to my foot doctor and he first said it was gout i had a test for urick acid and it was neg. he stated it was not gout that it was nerve problems and gave me a cream to use but no answer to what cause it. in 2007 at a hospital in eldorado ark. i had to go to emergency room because of dizziness, they did not know what it was i have had several spells like this since that visit. i have all my records to verify these accounts i will look into this concern much more. The first time i heard about this is today, 10/17/2010

well i have been using fixodent and poligrip for the past 4 years. now i am getting dizzy and having chest pains which there hospital and another doctors says there is nothing wrong with me. it started Oct. 12,2010 and i am still having the problems

I have been using teeth powder and creams for over 15 years. I have had pain in my arms, hands, and feet. I am currently seeking a MRI to see why I am losing muscel use with my arms. There are monrings where I am unable to lift myself up off the bed. I toss and turn all night because of the numbness in my arms. I am still waiting to find out what the test results will be, but I just happened to come across this information on the teeth product so I will have to go back to the doctor to have my zinc level checked. This is so unfair that these companines are getting away with this, without informing the consumers.

I am 58 yrs. old and i have nerve damage in my facial are from something and they do not know what from. I have been on medsfor burning in my face and my feet and legs. I have had dentures for 37 yrs.
I use fix o dent and po li-grip several times a day. I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANY HEALTH ISSUES UNTIL10 yrs ago. drs cannot figure out what is doing this. I am wondering if this could be the problem.

I have pain numbness in legs my feet I have been diagonised with neuropathy. I have been using Fixodent for 35 years. My hips are in constant pain. I am active as possible but I do have numeous facts. Tingle in hands arms and in back of neck.

me and my wife have been using fixodent for many tears and my wife has xstream body pain and some days could hardly walk my problems are my hands feet and legs sometime i cant even feel them they fall asleep alot mostly my feet hurt please keep us informed thanks

I have been using fixodent free for over twenty years. The other s don,t work as well for me. I apply usually once a day but once in a while twice if they become loose, I have full dentures, Sometimes I do swollow some of the cream when my dentures becone loose, My complaint is burning tingling in my figers mostly while in bed. I have to keep my hands down and not sleep with them pointing upwards. I thought maybe it was a circulation problem but now am wondering. Have a Drs. appointment next Month so I will speak to the Dr, about this. Also thinking my husband had full dentures for years and also used fixodent and he passed away four years ago from ALS. I was wondering if there could be a link between Zinc and ALS because nothing is known that causes ALS and it is a deadly terrible disease to have to go through.

its a hard thing to figure out what is and isnt right I just watched GMA and two in wheel chairs so they put a warning ion tube too dam later yes I have symptoms does anyone know if doc can test us for Zink overload let me know if anyone can answer this
maggie

I have had dentures since I was 25 years old. I am 66. I have used Fixodent powder for over 38 years. I never used the cream. For the last 10 years I have suffered with neuropathy, muscle weakness, unexplained nerve pain which I attributed to diabetes even though my numbers are very good. Now I wonder if I should ask my doctor to do lab tests for an abundance of zinc. I had to install a handicap ramp at my door because I could no longer climb the steps and I have cut back to working only 3 days a week. We, the public, are so trusting, so stupid! Large corporations are only interested in the bottom line….profits. If Proctor & Gamble are guilty of covering this up for some time I hope someone makes them pay.

I have used only Fixodent since getting dentures about ten years ago. I find it difficult to sit fbecause of a weird feeling in my legs. It’s hard to describe but it is a combination of tingling, numbess and pain. My arms are too effected by this feeling. I drop things out of my hands for no reason at all. I used to be able to walk and walk fast, no longer can I do that. I have been getting dizzy a lot to the point I need to sit down.

I had my teeth pulled in 2006 and started fixodent after that.
A year later, 2007 I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had part of my lung removed. Now i have the pain in the hip and leg, my breathing is worse, I’m on oxygen full time at 6 liters and in and out of the E.R. for help every several months. Is there something to be done, now that the damage may be done? Can it be undone?

I started using Fixodent in 2001, by 2007 I started loosing weight, strength, and focus. I developed a moving neuropathy over most of my body including neck, hands and face. I could not go “number2″ for up to 4 weeks at a time. I had to lay in the bathroom floor 4 – 6 hours at a time and “Atomic Laxatives” from the gastroenterologist and my Doctor did not work. I am recovering since 2009 with potent B12, B6, Magnesium, Selenium, and other herbs. You and I are owed money since we cannot get back the time lost and painful suffering these companies caused us because they FAILED to do the right thing and inform the consumer of the potential dangers this ingredient can cause. The studies did exist.

OMG, I have been using Fixodent for exactly 20 years and for the last few years I’ve been having multiple problems. I have always been a
very healthy individual. I’ve been suffering from dizziness, lack of balance, constant fatigue, numbness in toes and hands, lack of focus and concentration…and then some. I’m amazed at what I’m reading and
a now frightened too. My entire life style has changed due to a lack of energy. I’m 55 and usually feel 20 years older. Wow, this is something to look into. It’s overwhelming…where do you even begin??? Good luck to ALL!

My Father is going through this! Someone please guide me as to where I start!! The Doctors have diagnosed him with a form of Parkinson’s Disease however, these symptoms did not begin until about 2 years after he started using this denture cream. Before that he was a very healthy man!

Ive been using super-polygrip for about 2 years. I too have noticed a numbness when I sit down for extended period of time. I’m in great shape, I work out consistently. My left leg as of late tends to “fall asleep”. I’ll have to have my Doctor check it out. If its the creams, what is the alternative? I have noticed there is a zinc free formula. I guess I better switch to that before it could potentially get worse.

has anyone experienced aproblem with taste and smells,in particular, food tasting and smelling rotten? i mean like something has died in your mouth!! i literally cannot eat meat,eggs,nuts fruits,i cant drink coffee or diet soda. any answers would be appreciated

i have had dentures for 2 years and have been using fixodent originalfor entire time started wakingup in the middle of night myhands have no strength can’t use them to grip anything and mouth has gotten where i have sore spots in it and they are not canker sores throat stays sore lose my voice 3 to 4 times a day have anyone had these problems

I’ve used a tube of Fixodent every two weeks for decades. I’ve only now read that the zinc preventing the absorption of copper can affect connective tissue.
In 2000 59 cm of my aorta was replaced at Vanderbilt—2-1/2 months in the hospital for that. I lost my spleen and a kidney from that operation. After that I got a hernia—both diaphragmatic and, later, abdominal, that affects my life in a negative way. The diaphragmatic hernia has pushed my left lung out of place. Also, I’ve had a prolapsed uterus, and my rectum and vagina “fell” and had to be fixed. Right now I have a 5.3 cm aneurysm in my heart…but I’m not a “candidate for surgery.”

Why no one inform the public about these products? I have being using the fixodent powder for many years. I had no idea about this. I brought fixodent powder yesterday. It had a warning and I wonder why. This is September 2011. I HAD TO CHECK INTERNET TO FIND OUT WHY. What is wrong with this picture?

i started using fixodent ( i like it better than polygrip) about 6 yrs ago. For the last 3 or 4 years I have suffered periods of extreme fatique which is now nearly constant., and unexplained itching in certain areas. Repeated trips and compliants to doctors have led to no answers. A blood workup last week showed nothing that might cause this. I am goddam tired of it, and don’t know what to do

I started using fixadent 6 months I feel itchy at night does anyone else get this feeling I think the product should have less zinc and maybe a wax that can hold dentures in place every time I eat or drink I need more fixadent to retain the dentures would appreciate answers as after reading the articles published sounds scary with no where to go for help is this product legal or are we all fooled

I am 68 years old i have been using the adhesive product for many years. From time to time i get dizzy spells. My muscle heart all over my body, i also have bone pain all over my body, could this be because of zink. I use fixodent

I found this site after figuring out that maybe the denture cream might have an effect on my health after I read some warnings about zinc (not knowing there were any lawsuits about it so I’m not “crying wolf”). I was researching the symptoms to see if I could find out what was wrong. I was very healthy, never went to the doctor for years. I use Fixodent and after I had the dentures for about a year I noticed symptoms which I thought, at first, were due to getting older but they seem to have all come on rather quickly after a lifetime of being in good health. Numbness, isolated itching, fatigue, imbalance, weakness in certain muscles and pain,. a big change in blood pressure and an unexplained weight gain. I plan to have my copper and zinc levels tested to see if this has anything to do with it.

My mother died in 2004 of a mysterious nerve disorder. Basically the doctors couldn’t figure out why she was paralyzed and had to be on a breathing machine. It started out that she had ulcers that were so severe that she lost a lot of her teeth from vomiting because of where the scar tissue was in her stomach and it eroded her teeth from years of vomiting. She had surgery to remove the ulcers in her stomach and then the ugly road to using Fixodent started.
She would get shaky from time to time. She had to walk with a walker and then went into a wheelchair. We took her to every Dr every specialist and they were all stumped. Within 6 months her legs went numb, and it moved all the way up till she couldn’t no longer breathe on her own. She used fixodent like candy to keep those dentures in. She ended up in the hospital 2003 unable to walk, feel her legs and severe contratures of her hands. I used to visit her in the nursing home 3-5 times a week and she couldn’t speak but I could read her lips. Her body had failed her but her mind was all there. I would feed her, shave her legs but I remember always having to clean her dentures, and she wanted lots of fixodent on them because they nurses won’t help if they slip and they do not read lips very well…
Well now finding this information today, we finally found the last piece of the puzzle of what really happened to my mother.
She was 55 years young
Died Nov 16, 2004

1998 used fixadent mad at my dentist new england denture center why they didnt send letters I worked doubble shifts no time for tv and maine drs dont believe me they wont believe whats on net son say got to your wont help me

Started loosing hearing about three month after getting dentures and the start of using both Fixodent and Polygrip cream and power then this morning I woke with terrible pain in my left ear and the loss of 90% of the hearing in that ear, I wonder if any one else had any loss of hearing from what they may contribute to the use of these products??

I live in England UK and want to sue fixodent for no warning about the zinc levels in its product. I have dentures and have been using this for several years now. I have had T.I.A s and affected breathing and nausea everyday dizzyness and tiredness which doctors cannot prescribe why. Until I read about fixodent and its zinc levels..I am now making another appointment to see my GP

I’ve been using Poligrip for many years. About three years ago my fingers started to bend and I could not straighten them, then I started to lose my balance, the numbness, tingling and pain came shortly after that. NOW I get severe charlie horeses in both legs and both hands are crippled and closed like fist. I’m very limited on the things I can do. Doctors diagnosed me with peripheral neuropathy and hypothyroidism but cant pinpoint where it came from. I filed a claim in December 2010 and was denied. Any one else get denied???